The Power of Sankalpa

Swami Nirmalratna Saraswati

The Sanskrit word sankalpa is loosely translated as determination, conviction,
resolve. Sankalpa is a powerful technique which converts the dynamic mental
force of willpower, iccha shakti, into a living entity. The form that
is given to that mental force depends on the command or direction given
to it by the one making the sankalpa.

Swami Satyananda has said that sankalpa is a science. It is not just
a simple idea that Id like something and if I do a little sadhana
it will come about. No. In a sankalpa, the mental energy becomes stronger
than matter; and with such a force you can achieve something that is virtually
impossible to attain. So, know that we are not talking of a mere wish
or an idle fancy related to our self-centred personality.

Allow your sankalpa to become the inspiration of your quest for spiritual
upliftment. Make it something that will illumine your entire personality.
Do not waste the powerful force of sankalpa to rid yourself of trifling
habits or passions because those things will naturally fall away as your
sankalpa becomes a reality in your life.

Choosing your sankalpa

Sankalpa is a plea, a message, from your soul to help liberate it from
its bondage in your human form. And, therefore, allow it to be born from
a yearning that comes from beyond any physical, mental or emotional need.

Only one sankalpa is to be in force at any one time, and to decide upon
it, whether it is to be a short-term or a long-term sankalpa, you must
go beyond your intellect. Of course, it is not something which anyone
else can select for you. It is to be decided upon by you only.

Sankalpa should be allowed to originate from a moment of inspiration
when you have been able to listen to the deepest desire emanating from
within yourself. Allow yourself to become still and silent in body and
mind. Ask your innermost source to reveal it to you so that it comes into
your awareness in a clear, unwavering, precise manner. Tell yourself,
I will find my sankalpa.

When such a sankalpa has been revealed to you from the depths of your
being, and you have accepted it with humility and reverence, it can become
your means to overcome any obstacle upon your spiritual path. With it
you can achieve the impossible.

Give yourself plenty of time to decide upon your sankalpa, as once you
have done that, it should not be changed until it becomes a reality in
your life.

Shape your sankalpa into a powerful mental form; into the shortest, clearest,
simplest, and most positive statement (in five or six words or less),
beginning with I will . . . And remember, it is not to be
revealed to anyone. This will help retain its potency.

Repeating your sankalpa

When your sankalpa has become a positive and concise statement, it is
ready to be utilized as a constructive goal, to give a positive direction
to your existence.

When you repeat your sankalpa, it should be as if all your mental and
emotional energy, all your faith, all your sincerity and devotion have
been concentrated into the form of a simple, positive statement. When
you repeat it mentally to yourself, do so with full conviction that it
will come true in your daily life.

The power of the sankalpa you have created can become such a mighty force
that it may change the course of your destiny.

Any moment during the day or night can be an opportunity to reinforce,
to intensify your sankalpa. Think of it, or mentally repeat it at any
time. However, especially seek out the times when your mind feels most
receptive to it, and then, consciously allow the message to go deep into
the subtle realms of your being. For example: repeat it as your first
thought upon waking; as your last thought, immediately before sleep overtakes
you; in your dreams; at the beginning and end of your sadhana; at the
beginning and end of yoga nidra; and before and after meals.

Once you have decided upon your sankalpa, never question it. Always keep
a positive attitude towards it, without ever a hint of doubt or negativity.
This will preserve the purity and force of it.

Sometimes you may feel that a huge gap exists between yourself and the
realization of your sankalpa. At those times, repeat it mentally and visualize
it, as if it has come true right there in front of you, in living reality.

Remember the words of Jesus Christ, Know that what you ask for
in prayer you already have. Such should be the faith with which
you hold your sankalpa. The force of your mental energy is capable of
tremendous intensity, and know that if you are able to harness that force,
anything that you set your mind to will come true.